U2 Drummer Praises Larry Mullen Jr. After Band's 2nd EP Release

Bram van den Berg, who filled in for Mullen during U2's Sphere residency, lauds the drummer's return on the new EPs.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 4:28pm

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Bram van den Berg, the drummer who temporarily replaced Larry Mullen Jr. in U2 during the band's Sphere residency in 2023-2024, has praised Mullen's drumming on the group's two new surprise EPs, 'Days of Ash' and 'Easter Lily'. Van den Berg called Mullen 'one-of-one' and said his playing is 'instantly recognizable' on the new releases.

Why it matters

U2's Sphere shows in 2023-2024 marked the first time the band had performed live without one of its core members, as Mullen was recovering from surgery. Van den Berg's positive comments on Mullen's return highlight the drummer's central role in U2's distinctive sound.

The details

From September 2023 to March 2024, Bram van den Berg filled in on drums for U2 during their 40-show Sphere residency in Las Vegas, where the band performed their 1991 album 'Achtung Baby' in full each night. Now, with U2 having released two new EPs in 2026, van den Berg has taken to social media to praise Mullen's drumming on the new releases.

  • U2 performed 40 shows at the Sphere in Las Vegas from September 29, 2023 to March 2, 2024.
  • U2 released the 'Days of Ash' EP on Ash Wednesday (February 18, 2026).
  • U2 released the 'Easter Lily' EP on April 3, 2026.

The players

Bram van den Berg

The drummer who temporarily replaced Larry Mullen Jr. in U2 during the band's Sphere residency in 2023-2024.

Larry Mullen Jr.

The longtime drummer for the band U2, whose distinctive playing is praised by van den Berg on the group's new EPs.

U2

The iconic Irish rock band, known for their innovative sound and long-running career.

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What they’re saying

“It's rare these days to find a band where the sum of its parts is so crucial to its distinctive sound. I've said it before, but there's only one Larry Mullen Jr., and these two beautiful new EPs are proof of that. There aren't many drummers whose playing is so instantly recognizable!”

— Bram van den Berg, Replacement Drummer for U2

What’s next

U2 is set to release their long-awaited 16th studio album, which will mark the group's first album of new material since 2017's 'Songs of Experience'.

The takeaway

Van den Berg's praise for Mullen's drumming highlights the drummer's central role in defining U2's iconic sound, even as the band experiments with new material and ventures like their Sphere residency.